Best Baltimore Raven to exercise the first Amendment as Stated in the Constitution of the United States of America

Sep 19, 2012 | 3:00 AM

Upon learning Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo donated Ravens game tickets to a fundraiser for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, Maryland Del. Emmet C. Burns Jr. (D-10th District), in a letter to Ravens ownership, asked, in his best hack legalese, that Ayanbadejo "be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions." Said injurious actions being Ayanbadejo's airing of a grievance that he wanted the government to redress. Like it says, you read can here:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Ayanbadejo has been levelheaded and earnest in his reactions to Del. Burns' attempted stifling of his constitutional right, while also being publicly appreciative of support from Ravens management and from Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who wrote a hilarious and profane takedown of Burns that sort of stole Ayanbadejo's thunder-but that's OK, he plays for the Vikings, let him have something to enjoy. Go Ravens.